D.C. United's Pontius nabs Player of the Week honors

D.C. United’s 23-year-old attacker Chris Pontius won his first career Player of the Week award as voted on Monday by the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR). The second-year MLS player was the star of the final MLS match before the two-week World Cup break, scoring two of his team’s three goals in a stunning 3-2 victory at the Seattle Sounders last Thursday.

Pontius was initially credited with a hat trick but United’s third goal in the 79th minute was later awarded to his DC teammate Adam Cristman, who touched a looping header by Pontius over the line. The Sounders played a part in the other two goals by Pontius in the 39th and 45th minute. His first goal struck Seattle defender Patrick Ianni on its path to goal while goalkeeper Kasey Keller could not handle the DC player’s shot before halftime.

The goals were the first of the 2010 for Pontius, who was the seventh pick in the 2009 SuperDraft. In his debut season last year, the California native played in all but two of the club’s league matches.

The honor was the first Player of the Week award by a DC United player in 2010 and the fifth by an American player after 12 weeks.

2010 Players of the Week

Week 1: Javier Morales (Real Salt Lake)

Week 2: Kenny Mansally (NE Revolution)

Week 3: Sebastien Le Toux (Philadelphia)

Week 4: Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy)

Week 5: Dwayne De Rosario (Toronto FC)

Week 6: Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy)

Week 7: Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy)

Week 8: Álvaro Saborío (Real Salt Lake)

Week 9: Emilio Renteria (Columbus Crew)

Week 10: Dwayne De Rosario (Toronto FC)

Week 11: Brek Shea (FC Dallas)

Week 12: Chris Pontius (DC United)

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